Nov 13, 2024 10:46 PM
(This post was last modified: Nov 13, 2024 11:47 PM by C C.)
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1064597
INTRO: Young people’s mental health may depend on how they use social media, rather than how much time they spend using it, according to a new study by University of B.C. researchers.
The research, led by psychology professor Dr. Amori Mikami (she/her) and published this week in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, examined the effects of quitting social media versus using it more intentionally.
The results showed that users who thoughtfully managed their online interactions, as well as those who abstained from social media entirely, saw mental health benefits—particularly in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness.
With social media use nearly universal among young adults, especially those ages 17-29, concerns over its impact on mental health have grown. “There’s a lot of talk about how damaging social media can be, but our team wanted to see if this was really the full picture or if the way people engage with social media might make a difference,” said Dr. Mikami.
Instead of treating social media as an all-or-nothing choice, the study explored whether helping young adults learn “smarter” engagement techniques could enhance their well-being. In the six-week study, 393 Canadian young adults with some mental health symptoms and concerns about social media’s impact on their mental health were split into three groups:
Both the abstinence and tutorial groups reduced their social media use and experienced fewer social comparisons—a common trigger for anxiety and low self-esteem. While the tutorial group didn't cut back on social media as much as those who tried to abstain completely, they reported notable improvements in loneliness and fear of missing out (FOMO).
By comparison, those who abstained from social media altogether were more successful in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, yet reported no improvement in loneliness.
“Cutting off social media might reduce some of the pressures young adults feel around presenting a curated image of themselves online. But, stopping social media might also deprive young adults of social connections with friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation,” said Dr. Mikami... (MORE - details, no ads)
INTRO: Young people’s mental health may depend on how they use social media, rather than how much time they spend using it, according to a new study by University of B.C. researchers.
The research, led by psychology professor Dr. Amori Mikami (she/her) and published this week in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, examined the effects of quitting social media versus using it more intentionally.
The results showed that users who thoughtfully managed their online interactions, as well as those who abstained from social media entirely, saw mental health benefits—particularly in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness.
With social media use nearly universal among young adults, especially those ages 17-29, concerns over its impact on mental health have grown. “There’s a lot of talk about how damaging social media can be, but our team wanted to see if this was really the full picture or if the way people engage with social media might make a difference,” said Dr. Mikami.
Instead of treating social media as an all-or-nothing choice, the study explored whether helping young adults learn “smarter” engagement techniques could enhance their well-being. In the six-week study, 393 Canadian young adults with some mental health symptoms and concerns about social media’s impact on their mental health were split into three groups:
- a control group that continued their usual routines
- an abstinence group asked to stop using social media entirely
- a “tutorial” group that was coached in intentional usage
Both the abstinence and tutorial groups reduced their social media use and experienced fewer social comparisons—a common trigger for anxiety and low self-esteem. While the tutorial group didn't cut back on social media as much as those who tried to abstain completely, they reported notable improvements in loneliness and fear of missing out (FOMO).
By comparison, those who abstained from social media altogether were more successful in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, yet reported no improvement in loneliness.
“Cutting off social media might reduce some of the pressures young adults feel around presenting a curated image of themselves online. But, stopping social media might also deprive young adults of social connections with friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation,” said Dr. Mikami... (MORE - details, no ads)